Building It Tall

A View of Singapore's Public Housing

If you had visited Singapore in the 1950-60s and have not stepped in this island since then, I guarantee you that you will no longer recognise the building, the roads nor the way Singaporeans handle their daily lives.

The population grew rapidly after the end of World War II and the government also had to look for ways to move its citizens out of the undesirable slums. So the government started building high-rise flats, some as tall as 24 storeys.

The government also implemented self ownership whereby the occupants will purchase rather than rent the flats from the government. These flats will generally appreciate over the years and the occupants, after paying up, will then have a place to call their own. The prices of these flats are dependent on the floor area. The cost range anywhere from S$120,000 to $350,000. The most expensive flat to date stands at S$740,000.

Do take some time to visit our public housing to experience how 85% of Singaporean lives.